Real Madrid 2024/25: Building a Legacy with Data-Driven Tweaks
A strategic look at how data adjustments can enhance Real Madrid’s dominance, ensuring their place at the top of European football for years to come.
Introduction
Does Real Madrid even need fixing? They’ve won 7 of the last 11 Champions Leagues and 3 of the last 6 La Ligas, all while maintaining strong financial health. Despite spending on key players like Bellingham and Tchouaméni, they didn’t overspend during COVID and maximized resources with their new stadium. When critics claimed Pérez’s Super League idea came from being unable to compete with the Premier League, Madrid beat its top three teams to win the 2022 Champions League. With their young stars, Madrid remains at the pinnacle of European football.
Real Madrid brought in Mbappé, and although they are second in the league, the start has felt a bit underwhelming. We know Madrid will peak by April, and while Ancelotti focuses on results, I value both performances and outcomes equally.
In this scenario, I’ll be playing the role of the strategist, identifying weaknesses and proposing solutions based on the usual Moneyball approach to improve the team’s overall performance. Let’s dive into the data and explore potential fixes for the team.
How I Approached Fixing Real Madrid
I’m not claiming to know more than Carlo Ancelotti—he’s the perfect man for the job, and his 4-3-3 system makes the most sense to maximize the team's stars. While Rodrygo may struggle on the wing, he’s shown he’s more than capable. However, I identified some issues. Tchouaméni is having a hard time dictating play, and it’s tough to fill Kroos’ shoes. So, I found a low-cost alternative based on Kroos' last four years of data.
I also think Madrid’s full-backs need improvement to aid ball progression and build-up play, especially when they struggle against high-pressing teams that trap them in their own box.
While Rudiger had a solid season, I believe a younger, left-footed option could strengthen the defense. To explore this, I used Rudiger’s last season at Chelsea as a benchmark.
And yes, I’m a bit of a nerd for passing angles—don’t judge! They’re crucial for smoother transitions from the back, especially in pressure situations.
Lastly, I’ll share my ideal lineup and the reasoning behind each choice. Let's dive into the data.
Results
Just a heads-up: the players I mention here aren't based on any rumors or gossip. They’re not high-profile stars either. Instead, we’re targeting low-key, sensible options that offer value or opportunity. Let's get started!
1- Right Full Back : Hakimi’s Alternative
Carvajal remains a top-tier right-back, showing no signs of decline and delivering an impressive 2024 season. However, Real Madrid can enhance their build-up play, and with Carvajal aging, finding a replacement for the future is becoming increasingly important. While he's still performing at an elite level, especially in big games, securing a successor who can take over in the coming years makes strategic sense, especially as Madrid look to maintain dominance and evolve tactically.
I’ve already mentioned Hakimi in my Napoli piece, and I genuinely believe he's the ideal right-back for any team, no matter the style of play or transitions involved. He’s versatile, fits seamlessly into any system, and excels in whatever role you give him. In my view, Hakimi is the ultimate modern right-back and currently the best in the world. His ability to adapt and dominate both offensively and defensively makes him a dream fit for any side looking for a complete, world-class player.
Last season, under Luis Enrique—whom I hold in high regard—Hakimi took his game to another level. He developed into a playmaking right-back, capable of both inverting and overlapping effectively. His standout performance against Dortmund in a 2-0 victory during the group stage is exactly what I’d expect from my right-back every game. Given his growth, I used Hakimi’s 2023-24 stats as a benchmark to find the best right-back option for Real Madrid, and it’s clear why he’s a top choice.
The stats further back up this decision, so using the 2023-24 numbers, I began looking for suitable replacements for Hakimi. Here’s what I found.
After filtering out the left-backs, the choice for Widmer made sense for Napoli due to his comfort in a back 3. However, Madrid's demands are different. The most sensible choice, in my opinion, is Dumfries. While he’s not exactly low-key and currently plays for a big team, his ongoing contractual issues with Inter, dragging for two years, make him an interesting option. He’s set to become a free agent this summer, and with relatively low wages, this could be a great opportunity for Real Madrid to secure him.
Dumfries is an elite right-back who can fit seamlessly into almost any system. Physically imposing, he excels in both offensive and defensive roles but can occasionally find himself out of position. However, in the right tactical environment, his strengths would shine through. His ability to contribute offensively, including being a target for crosses in the box, adds another layer to his value. Given his current contract situation and low wages, he represents a smart opportunity for Real Madrid or any top club looking to strengthen their right flank.
This is a no-brainer for Real Madrid. Dumfries is at the peak of his powers and has shown remarkable growth over the last three years. With his current situation, this deal aligns perfectly with Madrid's strategy of targeting top talent at opportune moments.
2- Left Full Back: Theo Hernández’ Alternative
Mendy has been solid and reliable for Real Madrid over the past few years, but I feel he falls short technically. At the start of this season, it's clear to me that Real Madrid should seek an upgrade in his position.
For the past four years, Theo Hernández has been Milan’s standout player, and in my opinion, the best left-back in the world right now. He excels technically and physically, able to both invert and overlap, and has even filled in as a center-back at times. His versatility and consistency make him invaluable. In a struggling Milan side, Theo’s contributions have kept them competitive, playing a key role in their Scudetto win two years ago and regularly helping them secure Champions League football.
While Alphonso Davies is a talented player, I don't believe he offers the complete package as a full-back compared to Theo Hernández. Davies often operates more as a winger, showcasing his offensive qualities rather than being a balanced full-back. His strengths lie in attack, but he doesn't match Theo’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Theo’s all-around game makes him a more complete and reliable option for the left-back position.
The elite numbers further validate the choice of Theo Hernández as a benchmark. His consistent performance across the past four years makes him an ideal model for comparison. Using his stats as a reference, I analyzed the data to find suitable replacements for Real Madrid’s left-back position. Here's what the data revealed:
After filtering out right-backs and those with big contracts or recent transfers, the most sensible option was fellow Frenchman Adrien Truffert. Rennes’ dependable left-back for the last four years, Truffert offers versatility, technicality, and physicality similar to Theo Hernández, though not quite at the same elite level.
A hidden gem who has flown under the radar, Truffert is still relatively young and has great potential. With the right career moves, he could become a major star. Competing for a spot in the national team alongside the world’s best left-back, his time will surely come. Truffert just needs the right platform to showcase his abilities, and a bigger stage could help him truly shine.
The French flair rarely disappoints at Madrid, making it a strong case to pursue Truffert. Even if they choose to loan him initially, I believe he's worth giving a shot as a starter. His talent and potential could make him a great asset to the team, and with Madrid's track record of success with French players, he seems like a natural fit.
3- Center-Back: peak Rüdiger’s Alternative
Rüdiger’s free transfer to Madrid initially seemed like a steal, but with his big wages, I believe he hasn’t reached his Chelsea peak. This could be due to several reasons, but as a fan of passing angles, I see the need for a younger, left-footed option in Madrid’s defense. To address this, I analyzed Rüdiger's last season at Chelsea—arguably his best ever—as a benchmark to identify potential replacements who can enhance Madrid’s backline and offer better angles for ball progression.
Using these numbers as benchmark for the 2023-24 season, here are the results I got :
We’ve got ourselves a variety options, but Schlotterbeck stands out as the most fitting prospect for Real Madrid. His assertiveness on the ball and aggression off it (although it can sometimes lead to mistakes) make him an ideal choice. While this may not fully fit the Moneyball approach due to the likely fee involved, it feels logical to invest here. As a central defender entering his peak, Schlotterbeck could form a strong long-term partnership with Militão, making this a crucial area to spend on for Madrid.
One of the key reasons for Dortmund’s strong Champions League campaign last year was Schlotterbeck’s standout performances, where his elite displays complemented Hummels’ experience and ball-playing skills. Together, they formed the perfect defensive pair for high-level fixtures. With Schlotterbeck’s continued growth and potential, it seems like the perfect time for him to take the next step in his career—why not at the biggest club in the world? This could be the ideal moment for him to fulfill his potential on the grandest stage.
This signing has all the elements of a classic Real Madrid move: a player who seems to fly under the radar but fits seamlessly into the squad and excels. We’ve seen this happen with players before, where initial doubts turn into long-term success stories. Schlotterbeck, with his skillset and potential, has all the qualities to be a guaranteed success at Madrid—if he can stay composed and handle the immense pressure that comes with wearing the white shirt.
4- Central Midfield : Kroos’ Alternative
Kroos is truly a one-of-a-kind midfielder, and in my opinion, one of the greatest ever. His calmness under pressure, particularly his ability to control games through his passing and possession retention, is unmatched. He can dictate the tempo of even the most hostile atmospheres, leading teams with his composure. Personally, I think he's the best German player I've ever witnessed, and it’s no coincidence that Germany has struggled without him. His influence was clear when they rebounded after he briefly came out of retirement.
Where do we even begin? Filling Kroos’ shoes is no easy task. There's no perfect replacement, but I believe that a young player with the ability to hold the ball and control the tempo might be the answer. With the guidance of a world-class manager and some patience from Madrid fans, a player like this can grow into the role. It’s going to take time, but with the right talent, Madrid can successfully transition into a post-Kroos era while maintaining their dominance on the pitch.
Madrid have strong options in midfield, but I believe none of them fully control the tempo the way Kroos did. Tchouaméni, in particular, seems more suited to a double pivot rather than operating solo, especially against high-pressing teams. His struggles likely come from being tasked with dictating the play on his own, something he's not fully adapted to yet. This highlights the need for a player capable of leading the midfield and controlling the flow of the game with composure.
Using Kroos' data from the past four years as a benchmark, I analyzed and looked for players who can fill his role effectively but are more cost-sensitive. While no player can fully replicate what Kroos brings, this method helps identify potential options that are proven in controlling the tempo and can evolve under top-level coaching. Here’s what we got from the analysis – a list of players with qualities that mirror Kroos' strengths in possession, passing accuracy, and game management.
Isn’t it ironic to see Modrić among the potential replacements for Kroos? The emotional connection runs deep, as they’ve complemented each other beautifully for years despite their similarities. Modrić, older but still performing at the highest level, continues to defy expectations. Among the younger options, Rovella stands out—a top prospect who showed flashes of brilliance under Sarri. Although his progress was disrupted, Rovella has long been touted for bigger things. In the right environment, he could be a valuable successor and bring a new dynamic to Madrid’s midfield.
While Rovella may not reach the heights of Kroos, his ball-playing ability and control are genuinely underrated, especially for an Italian midfielder. It’s surprising to see Juventus letting him go, but perhaps it’s due to their depth in midfield with players like Locatelli, who also showed up in our analysis. Both players offer something different, but Rovella’s potential in a top system like Real Madrid could lead to him being a pivotal figure, especially with further development.
Rovella may need to focus on rapidly improving his game as he settles at Lazio, with an eye toward securing a future call-up for the Italian national team. His current two-year loan to Lazio, with an obligation to buy, presents him with an opportunity to showcase his abilities. While Lazio might secure him next summer, his performances could attract interest from even bigger clubs, and potentially open doors to leading Italy’s midfield in the coming years.
5- Bonus Section :
When I saw Modrić’s name come up as the most similar player to Kroos, it hit me emotionally. Out of curiosity, I decided to apply the same method using Modrić’s data from the past four seasons. I wanted to see what insights I could gather about his playing style and how closely it compares to Kroos' performance, given how well they’ve complemented each other in midfield over the years
Here’s what we got :
It feels so fitting to see Madrid’s past and future side by side at the top of the list. Kroos represents the past, while Valverde stands as the future, continuously improving year after year. This shows that Real Madrid have already secured themselves an elite midfielder in Valverde, someone who is evolving and stepping up.
My Ideal Real Madrid Line up for the Future
This 4-3-3 setup feels perfectly tailored for Real Madrid’s future dominance. Imagine the left-side trio of Bellingham, Vinicius, and Truffert creating constant danger with their overlaps and combinations, making defenses struggle to keep up. Schlotterbeck's pinpoint passes, especially with his left foot, would help Madrid break through even the most pressing teams, while Dumfries adds power from the right. Rovella will dictate the tempo, ensuring Madrid stays calm under pressure, and Mbappé will finally have the support he needs to shine without being isolated upfront.
This lineup could dominate Europe for years to come.
Conclusion
In summary, Real Madrid remains one of the strongest teams in Europe, but some smart, data-driven tweaks could elevate them even further. Upgrading the full-back positions with Dumfries and Truffert, and bringing in Rovella to add control in midfield, would address some of their current weaknesses. These moves would improve their ability to handle high-pressing opponents while ensuring that Mbappé is well-supported up front. With these changes, Madrid can continue their dominance in Europe and set themselves up for even greater success in the years ahead.
What do you think of this lineup? What would you suggest to strengthen the squad?
Code and Implementation:
For those interested in the technical details, you can find the complete code for this project on my GitHub repository.
Call to Action:
If you're interested in football analytics or data science, I encourage you to check out the full project on GitHub. Feel free to experiment with the code, apply it to your favorite team or other struggling teams, and share your findings. Let's continue to push the boundaries of football analysis together!
Enjoy the content, and I'll see you on the dugout!